Volunteers, staff, and community partners of Focus Federal Credit Union attended a groundbreaking ceremony on Nov. 18 to announce the construction of a branch office at 1111 NW 32nd Street in Newcastle, Oklahoma.

In the spirit of "people helping people," last week the San Angelo Chapter of credit unions collected 247 pounds of non-perishable foods from their members and staff, and donated all of it to Rust Street Ministries. The ministry provides temporary assistance with food, clothing, household items, and furniture—at no charge—to those living in the San Angelo area.

As a federal regulator, financial executive, and congressional lobbyist, Jeff Rendel knows the financial services marketplace; and he will be imparting that knowledge to participants during the general session at the 2015 Annual Meeting in Austin, Texas, April 8-10.

The National Credit Union Administration will in January reissue its proposed risk-based capital rule with a 90-day comment period. All three members of the NCUA Board are behind the longer time for credit unions to consider the revised proposal, including allowing credit unions to share thoughts with the agency about the revised proposal.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Richard Cordray told attendees at the annual Clearing House Conference in New York that he has concerns about electronic payments networks, particularly its effects on consumers.

While all indicators are that the economy is doing much better all the time, more consumers report lower intended holiday spending in 2014 compared to 2013, according to the 15th annual holiday spending survey conducted by the Consumer Federation of America and the Credit Union National Association.